Characteristics of HIM system
Characteristics of HIM system
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6
Executive Summary
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The operation of the health information management reflects the larger organization. HMIS is the central hub for every task especially patient information from the medical scan records to the release of information requests. Health information management entails the storage, protection, and collection of patient information which can be done using either digital or paper-based. A strong health information management system should be specific to the population and the governing environment.
Characteristics of HIM system
An important key feature of the health information system is that it is well-defined such that it is has outlined principles and standards well defined to take into account data sources and health indicators. The HMIS should be user-friendly with standardized operating procedures for analyzing, collecting and using data. Another characteristic of the HIM system is that it should be comprehensive in that it monitors and captures all the functions and health services about all levels of health system containing all data sources. A strong HIM system needs to be functional using appropriate technology in ensuring the quality of data is checked and that the right strategy is used by well-trained health workers. The system should be adaptable and scalable in that it can be redesigned, reformed, rolled out or expanded using standards and procedures governing the review of health sector needs, sustainability measures, new interventions, and ongoing capacity building. Lastly, the HIM system should be resilient to withstand various crises such as political, social and biological changes (Schlotzer, 2010).
The implementation of health information systems in healthcare requires a cautious approach. The information on the need for an upgrade or the installation of new technology can be obtained from physicians, nurses, management and other staff members. Observing the treatment and supervision given to patients, catering, personal contacts and care provided to them will also provide information on the need for a health information system. Questionnaires can be used to gather information about the interface or the need for new technology in the hospital since it provides an opportunity for both the patients and staff members to provide their unbiased opinion. In the belief that good performance is reflected using improved quality measurements, the rationale for comparing performance between hospitals will guide in the decision or the need for health information systems to encourage better performance (Govindarajan, 2019).
HIM system components, infrastructure, and investment needs at each hospital
The understanding of the integrated health information management system begins with the familiarization of its major components which include data, process, integration, user, and hardware or software components. The data or information component is the central core of the health information system as it encompasses the specification of the data, the interrelationship among the data and data organization. Raw data are generated from the building blocks to gather useful information for storage which is processed and transformed into output information in the HIM system to be used as end-user information to make intelligent decisions. The hardware/ software component entails the technology information systems where various information for computing HIMS applications and use are stored, therefore, this component entails the configuration of the user interface, hardware, communication infrastructure, software, applications, and associated devices. The process component clarifies the route and internalizes the health information management system driving engine. This component focus on the cohesion between the applications, processes, and tasks established in the existing HIM system. The integration component is the success determinant of the health information management system from the organization's view. The important concept of positioning hospital services for future success is the integration of the systems required to manage healthcare information about the completion in the marketplace. The user component brings together and coordinates various components of the health information management system. The investment in health information technology depends on the financial health of the organization as well as the existing infrastructure put in place.
The pros and cons of maintaining the existing systems, interfacing the existing HIM systems, or replacing all systems with a single, new HIM system
The health information technology system comprises electronic health records, decision support systems, practice management software, remote patient monitoring, patient portals, and master patient index. The adoption of such technologies requires huge capital investment thus expensive for any healthcare organization. Healthcare provider's perception of such technologies varies widely based on whether implementing these technologies is affordable, feasible or even desirable. The case for the adoption of health information systems is strong due to the various advantages of HIM systems. Health information systems provide coordination of care thus encourages patient-physician relationships. Another merit of health information technologies is that it acts as a decision support system where they serve as integration and improved access to patient-related information thus reducing physician clinical challenges of diagnosis, procedures, and drug use. Access to information is made easier by the electronic medical record since users can store and retrieve vital information about the patient (Demel, 2010). Health information systems also reduce costs associated with filing and transporting patient’s files through the use of EMR thus hospitals can reduce support staff. Furthermore, health information systems result in decreased duplication of imaging and laboratory tests conducted on patients. The coding accuracy is high when using the health information system thus revenue can be captured accurately.
Despite the benefits of health information technology, many hospitals and more especially healthcare providers are hesitant to accept the changes that come with the new technology. Physicians argue that the poor implementation of new technologies would lead to more medication errors. Another disadvantage of the health information system is that it is expensive to finance since many hospitals have insufficient financial resources thus a challenge to implement. The use of EMR may result in inaccurate assumptions since they utilize templates restricting information provided by patients thus may impact the accuracy of diagnosis. Another concern is that many of the health information technology programs have either failed or a fraught with complications (Demel, 2010).
Recommendations
Implementing the right system in the healthcare organization should be the priority to avoid numerous poor choices associated with physician dissatisfaction and also regarding taking the best decision. It is crucial to establish a strong working partnership with system vendors. The pricing and negotiation of the system to be bought should include support, maintenance, and upgrades to avoid the hospitals incurring further costs to maintain the systems. Another important recommendation would be to lighten the schedule in terms of the clinical procedures for the first few weeks after installing new systems to accommodate any inefficiencies with the initial system handling (Demel, 2010). Thereafter, tracking metrics should be taken to determine the billing accuracy, quality, and user satisfaction. It is important to ensure physicians are prepared by engaging them in the planning process of design and also be trained on how to use such systems.
References Demel, T. (2010, August). The Pros and Cons of Health Information Technology. Retrieved from http://www.floridahealthindustry.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36:the-pros-and-cons-of-health-information-technology&catid=10:focus&Itemid=10 Govindarajan, R. I. (2019). Improving patient safety: Tools and strategies for quality improvement. New York, NY : Routledge/Productivity Press. Schlotzer, A. &. (2010). Health information systems: requirements and characteristics. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 151, 156-66.
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